You may not have heard much about Oak Flat, and that’s no surprise. After all, this patch of natural beauty sprawls across federal forest land, out in a rural corner of Arizona. It’s way off the radar for most major newspapers, and far from the hum of metropolitan life.

But Oak Flat hits close to home for the San Carlos Apache Tribe and the Yavapai-Apache Nation. Both consider the spot, in the high desert outside the former mining town of Superior, to be holy ground. They have conducted sacred ceremonies there since forever.

And since early February, a group called Apache Stronghold has also staged a gritty, ongoing occupation at the site.

As it happens, the Apaches aren’t the only ones who care about Oak Flat. Multi-national mining companies likewise harbor deep affection for this place, since it’s perched atop a huge copper deposit. Arizona Sen. John McCain cares, too. For years, legislation that would trade away Oak Flat to the mining companies felt flat from lack of support. So in 2014, McCain finally slipped it into an unrelated military spending bill. Subsequently, Oak Flat now belongs to the Resolution Copper Co., which is jointly owned by international mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.

Thus, the fight continues—and now it’s getting a bit closer to home for all of us. Apache Stronghold will bring its message to Tucson this Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Gloo Factory Ink, 238 E. 26th Street. This block party will feature hip hop performances by Standing Fox, Indigenize, Quese IMC, Chee Christ and Escape Goat. San Carlos Apache Councilman Wendsler Nosie, Sr. and activist Naelyn Pike will also speak. There will be a climbing wall and kids activity area, live silkscreening, and plenty of chow. For more info, visit the Facebook page.


This article appears in Apr 16-22, 2015.

10 replies on “The Fight to Save Oak Flat Comes to Tucson”

  1. I strongly support the Apache’s right to protect land they love.

    But it always cracks me up how liberal types dislike the Christian religion but get all moony-eyed over old tribal religions. Be consistent. Religion is religion. The earth was no more created by God in seven days, than by the Creator and his helpers.

  2. I reread this a couple of times.. and see no mention of Christianity. Are you suggesting that Liberals would not be opposed to an open pit mine in Jerusalem? I think I would be that consistent..

  4. Whatever the purpose of this land is to the indians, people should respect their land, it is already theirs and that should be enough.

  5. among the 565+ Indian Nations there is no Indain Religion. there is a way of life 24/7 that honors all living and Mother Earth. it is insulting to refer to our way of life as “moony-eyed” or an ” old tribal religion.” sacred lands are places of power. get over your self.

  6. Aboriginals in no territories ever had a religion that placed mountains as untouchable and profane. Science and spirituality were one and the same, they were both medicines and to be respected. In fact much of the medicines, food stuffs and astrology we had would be just as at home with our reincarnationist beliefs and female based ideas of government. (A plurality of tribes believed in women leaders.)

    The idea that science and the profane are separated and that this mountain should be a place of power only to this tribe is to my American Indian mind, wrong. It’s historically wrong. It’s philosophically wrong and it creates a situation where we separate from the “white men” and demand our views to be respected but not advanced. It’s a beautiful telescope and it can be worked into the mountain without disturbing it.

    Our religions were never this harsh and unforgiving to change.

  8. Here is a link to a photo essay about a protest about McCain’s and his betrayal of Arizona at Flake’s office in Tucson earlier this year: http://ricardosmall.smugmug.com/PROTEST/Oa…. Both of Arizona’s U.S. senators do NOT represent people. They only represent the oligarchy who pays them to. They both should be voted out of office at the earliest possible election.

  9. Mr R Small…I completely agree with you on all points. What affects Indigenous People affects ALL people though many do not realize that. And to childmind Mr Sevelis: I am sad for you because you appear to be unconscious and your ego wants attention. You are also my relative and a sacred child of the Creator of All That Is so I will pray for your heart and mind to open to light your path.

  10. All I can say is that enough has been taken from Native Americans and enough damage has been done to Mother Earth. Likewise, not enough responsibility has been taken for either wrongdoing. It’s time to start doing what’s right.

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